“Jobs For Hoosiers” Bill Requires Unemployed To Meet With WorkOne Counselors After Fourth Week Of Benefits

Hoosiers getting unemployment insurance will face new requirements thanks in part to the “Jobs For Hoosiers” bill recently signed into effect by Governor Mike Pence.

This bill affects those who have recently filed for unemployment benefits.

In their fourth week of unemployment, the bill requires them to go to a local WorkOne center for a review of their work search record and an orientation to WorkOne services.

We spoke to the Department of Workforce Development spokesperson Joe Frank about what kind of free services WorkOne offers and how they will benefit unemployed Hoosiers.

“We offer tons of free services like resume assistance, interview coaching, and career counselors,” Frank says, “We even have computer classes that can increase your skill level in Microsoft Word and Office so you’re ready to be employed as quickly as possible.”

Frank says these benefits aren’t just for the unemployed.

The DWD actually works with Indiana businesses to find out what kind of employee they are looking to hire.

This helps them match up anyone looking for a job to a business that fits their skills.

This isn’t only offered to the unemployed and anyone looking to find a better job in their career field can utilize these programs as well.

Frank explains how a national effort to lower unemployment spurred this local act.

“When the federal government re-authorized benefits after the 26th week of unemployment last year, they mandated that folks come into the WorkOne centers to take a look at their work search,” Frank says, “We really found out that it was such a benefit to people. We heard a lot people say they didn’t know all the free services we offered and wish they had known sooner. This is really aimed at getting Hoosiers back to work as soon as possible.”

Those who qualify for these changes can go to www.in.gov/dwd and see what program best fits them.